Combined efforts of the 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in the recovery of two significant New People’s Army (NPA) arms caches in General Nakar, Quezon, and Labo, Camarines Norte, on December 19 and 20, respectively.
Reports from the 202nd Infantry Brigade revealed that a tip from an undisclosed informant led soldiers from the 80th Infantry Battalion and police operatives to Barangay Pagsangahan, General Nakar, on December 19.
There, they discovered an arms cache containing two rifle barrels, four improvised firing devices, 32 rounds of live ammunition, four shotgun shells, a sling bag, and assorted wires.
The following day, the 201st Infantry Brigade acted on intelligence provided by a former rebel and uncovered another arms cache in Barangay Malibago, Labo, Camarines Norte.
Troops from the 16th Infantry Battalion and PNP operatives recovered a substantial haul of 2,307 rounds of live ammunition for various firearms, three rolls of detonating cords, 86 blasting caps, a roll of electrical wire, and three plastic drums.
In a statement, Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., Commander of the 2ID, commended the operations and emphasized their impact on weakening the NPA’s operational capacity.
“The recovery of these arms caches is a significant blow to the NPA’s ability to conduct violent activities. It reflects our commitment to eradicating terrorism and achieving lasting peace in Quezon and the Southern Tagalog region,” he stated.
He added that the 2ID would continue working with government and non-government agencies to intensify security measures while promoting reconciliation programs for former rebels.
